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I'm Not for Everyone. Neither Are You.
"This is a work of genius, a metaphor-studded treasure chest, filled with wisdom for anyone willing to go look. I've already ordered ten copies." -- SETH GODIN, bestselling author of THE ICARUS DECEPTION --"Fun and insightful lessons from a man who's lived life on his terms." -- KAMAL RAVIKANT, bestselling author of LOVE YOURSELF LIKE YOUR LIFE DEPENDS ON IT HAVE YOU EVER: --Wished you were someone else? --Struggled to fit in with the crowd at school, at work, at the local American Legion Post? --Said something hurtful to your beloved for no apparent reason? --Regretted the choices you've made to stay safe and secure? I'M NOT FOR EVERYONE. NEITHER ARE YOU. Is a highly concentrated, straight-to-the-bloodstream three part collection of axioms designed to help you to discover your singular inner style and to best express it in all of your personal and professional relationships. Without apology. Written down as "notes to myself" over the course of eight decades plus as a dancer/advertising superstar/performer/playwright/author, David Leddick teaches us that how you see yourself is how others see you So find your own style and express it as freely as you would a work of art.
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First published April 1, 2014
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About the author
David Leddick
56 books13 followersDavid Leddick is the author of several novels as well as several highly-regarded art photography books. His novels include "My Worst Date," "Never Eat In," "The Sex Squad," "The Handsomest Man in the World," and his art compilations include "The Male Nude", "Secrets of the Chorus" which was mounted in a concert production in 2003 and is at work on two other musicals. Leddick was formerly worldwide creative director for L'Oreal and Revlon. He divides his time among homes in Miami Beach, Paris and Montevideo.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
October 30, 2016
Leddick's book is the anti-tumblr.
"Always leave as though you are going somewhere more interesting. It’s all part of creating a world around you that looks attractive to others."
This was a super-different book choice for me. It was like reading a document by an alien civilization. I don't know what to do with life advice like;
Spend on the luxuries. The necessities will take care of themselves. When I was working in New York in an early job I bought a beautiful French desk for $600. That was a lot of money in the 1960s. All the money I had in the world. I told myself I could ride the subway and skip taking taxis. Having that desk made me feel that I was creating the life around me that I wanted. Pinching your pennies may make sense to you, but you are missing that feeling of being a grand person living a grand life. Go ahead and take that trip to Paris. You’ll never regret it. Somehow you will take care of the necessities. Don’t worry about it. Is there a life you imagine for yourself in the future? Start living it now. Project yourself materially into that future self, that expectant world. You’ll be surprised how the real world will catch up.
I break every one of Leddick's rules. Rules like, "You need a look." I don't have a look. I barely have a wardrobe. Leddick's book is about deliberately crafting a self, and having fun doing it. The concept leaves me flummoxed. I can see that it would be a blast for some people to sculpt one's mannerisms and lifestyle to be witty and delightful to be around. All I can think of is how exhausting it must be.
But I like a lot of Leddick's ideas: "The world is like a classroom of children with their heads down on their desks being obedient. When you raise your head you discover there is no teacher."
Leddick's writing is charming, and I'm happy I read it. You know what would be fun? Or would at least make for some kickass blog posts? Doing one of those "Live a year re-creating yourself as a glamorous, exciting person with a 'look'" projects, based on taking all of Leddick's advice. Someone do that. I wanna watch.
"Always leave as though you are going somewhere more interesting. It’s all part of creating a world around you that looks attractive to others."
This was a super-different book choice for me. It was like reading a document by an alien civilization. I don't know what to do with life advice like;
Spend on the luxuries. The necessities will take care of themselves. When I was working in New York in an early job I bought a beautiful French desk for $600. That was a lot of money in the 1960s. All the money I had in the world. I told myself I could ride the subway and skip taking taxis. Having that desk made me feel that I was creating the life around me that I wanted. Pinching your pennies may make sense to you, but you are missing that feeling of being a grand person living a grand life. Go ahead and take that trip to Paris. You’ll never regret it. Somehow you will take care of the necessities. Don’t worry about it. Is there a life you imagine for yourself in the future? Start living it now. Project yourself materially into that future self, that expectant world. You’ll be surprised how the real world will catch up.
I break every one of Leddick's rules. Rules like, "You need a look." I don't have a look. I barely have a wardrobe. Leddick's book is about deliberately crafting a self, and having fun doing it. The concept leaves me flummoxed. I can see that it would be a blast for some people to sculpt one's mannerisms and lifestyle to be witty and delightful to be around. All I can think of is how exhausting it must be.
But I like a lot of Leddick's ideas: "The world is like a classroom of children with their heads down on their desks being obedient. When you raise your head you discover there is no teacher."
Leddick's writing is charming, and I'm happy I read it. You know what would be fun? Or would at least make for some kickass blog posts? Doing one of those "Live a year re-creating yourself as a glamorous, exciting person with a 'look'" projects, based on taking all of Leddick's advice. Someone do that. I wanna watch.
March 12, 2018
I picked up this book because it was recommended by the author of The War of Art, which I really liked. This was a fun, short read that I could pick up and put down between other books. A couple of thoughts I'll remember are "Everyone is more intelligent than you think they are." and "Life is too brief to be rushing around trying to tailor oneself to the tastes of others who, for the most part, are not paying any attention in the first place." This book is not for everyone, but that's kind of the point.
July 3, 2016
David Leddick has compiled quotes and his own small stories in a short and sweet book.
He makes references to other personalities and their quotes, which he then comments on. Very entertaining.
Who is this book for? I don't know. Anyone who ask themselves many question whether what they do is the right thing to do.
If you were find a red thread throughout the book, I think it would come down to one of the books' mantra: The trick is not caring. It does not mean, that you have to be indifferent towards everything, but that you should stop worrying about what other people think about you.
He makes references to other personalities and their quotes, which he then comments on. Very entertaining.
Who is this book for? I don't know. Anyone who ask themselves many question whether what they do is the right thing to do.
If you were find a red thread throughout the book, I think it would come down to one of the books' mantra: The trick is not caring. It does not mean, that you have to be indifferent towards everything, but that you should stop worrying about what other people think about you.
August 25, 2017
This book is what all inspirational books should aim to be - very easy to read, fun and thought-provoking. Through humor and an apparent lightness, David Leddick delivers some shattering wisdom that will immediately make you feel that: 1) your life sucks, 2) you can do something today to turn it around.
August 24, 2018
Perspective changer! Critics beware...
Perspective changer! This is much needed on this leg of my journey. What is old and what is new? How much power should I really let others have? Am I alone in all my struggles? Nope and nope. Critics beware, I'm taking the "I don't care" philosophy to heart! Thank You David!
Perspective changer! This is much needed on this leg of my journey. What is old and what is new? How much power should I really let others have? Am I alone in all my struggles? Nope and nope. Critics beware, I'm taking the "I don't care" philosophy to heart! Thank You David!
December 18, 2016
A handbook on life and living from an octogenarian who has unrepentantly tried it all. Most of it is good advice and all of it is well-written and fun to read.
July 1, 2018
Pithy and uplifting
Snarky, fun and rather well put together. I came away feeling good and ready to get on w my life
Snarky, fun and rather well put together. I came away feeling good and ready to get on w my life
July 7, 2019
Bad advice cleverly said
This is a cleverly worded book, but for every deep thought there is a shallow witticism that will actually hurt you if you follow it.
This is a cleverly worded book, but for every deep thought there is a shallow witticism that will actually hurt you if you follow it.
March 12, 2021
Contains some powerful quotes (borrowed from others) at best; a tedious read at worst
September 7, 2019
جيد للاقتباسات
نصائح جيده واقتباسات جيده لاكن يميل للسطحيه ممتاز للعملين بالمجال الإبداعي لم يتعمق كثير بموضوع الكتاب بان يجعلني اقتنع برأيه"موضوع الكتاب"
نصائح جيده واقتباسات جيده لاكن يميل للسطحيه ممتاز للعملين بالمجال الإبداعي لم يتعمق كثير بموضوع الكتاب بان يجعلني اقتنع برأيه"موضوع الكتاب"
May 7, 2022
Quick and ‘punchfull’
The only reason I couldn't give this book 5 stars is because I felt it could have been a lot longer. Then again, this is my first encounter with the author.
The foreword by Steven Pressfield set me up for failure. Why? He knows too much. He's been personally affected by the author in a manner that is undeniably good. You can't compete with that as a reader. At least, I couldn't.
I couldn't stop reading. And there are lines I'll print. That's how important the lessons were.
Expect to be dissatisfied. Re-read because you won’t find a life more authentically snipped.
The only reason I couldn't give this book 5 stars is because I felt it could have been a lot longer. Then again, this is my first encounter with the author.
The foreword by Steven Pressfield set me up for failure. Why? He knows too much. He's been personally affected by the author in a manner that is undeniably good. You can't compete with that as a reader. At least, I couldn't.
I couldn't stop reading. And there are lines I'll print. That's how important the lessons were.
Expect to be dissatisfied. Re-read because you won’t find a life more authentically snipped.
November 27, 2016
This book is a charming collection of aphorisms - and a bit of explanation about each - from a man who has lived an interesting and unusual file. David Leddick has been a major force behind ad campaigns and a Zen Buddhist. He's worked all over the world and has a lot to say about how people can squeeze the most out of life. I don't agree with some of his paragraphs, but that's OK! He's not for everybody, and neither am I! This book is best enjoyed in sips. Favorite controversial page: He says that there are really only 40 important, interesting people. How many do you know?
June 13, 2025
Funny, interesting. The merits of being authentic unapologetically, regardless of societal expectations or any obsession to please. It's a fundamental message, and it is well explored here.
Not only interesting for antisocial, hermits or neurodiverse. It should be universal.
Not only interesting for antisocial, hermits or neurodiverse. It should be universal.
March 7, 2016
One of the funniest and most inspiring books I've read. Some great reaffirmations on how to live life with joy and that what appears beautiful isn't always frivolous.
April 4, 2016
Quick read; some insights were a miss for me but others were good.
June 8, 2016
Fabulous
What insight this book has into the simple yet difficult day to day parts of life. The author is honest, but shows empathy and humor to all of us wondering,"why not me?"
What insight this book has into the simple yet difficult day to day parts of life. The author is honest, but shows empathy and humor to all of us wondering,"why not me?"
June 27, 2016
Pretty cool read
I liked the overall structure of this book. It is a quick simple read that either reminds or insights you on great philosophies of life.
I liked the overall structure of this book. It is a quick simple read that either reminds or insights you on great philosophies of life.
August 11, 2016
Strong opinions. Not for me, but perhaps someone else's cup of tea.
March 27, 2017
This is SUCH a great book for anyone in the work force, or anyone who wants to walk this world with the best attitude. To know David is a lucky, good fortune. I pull the book out from time to time and read hilarious bits to my husband -- it's fun and true and something to be followed and tried on. Delightful.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews